News

Thieves steal hurricane relief supplies

Volunteer Jack Cherry and relief organizer Bruce Hatfield collected supplies for Hurricane Florence victims.

By Bill Moss, Published: October 10, 2018

“Dadgum thieving rascals” broke into a trailer storing hurricane relief supplies and stole a pressure washer, tools, food, diapers and other donated items overnight Tuesday, officials said.

“They busted the lock and it looks like they bent the side of the trailer,” Bruce Hatfield, the retired Army lieutenant colonel who organized the Hurricane Florence relief effort. “They stole a pressure washer, a bunch of food, problably some diapers. We probably lost around $500 worth of stuff. We’re trying to collect for these people and this is something we didn’t need. They even stole garbage bags out of this thing. Police have been by and took a report. Fortunately, there are no security cameras to see what they took or didn’t take.”
Sheriff’s Maj. Frank Stout, who heard about the break-in on Wednesday from Sheriff Charlie McDonald, said it was a shame that the “thieving rascals” had damaged a charitable effort. “They’re trying to do good and they get walloped,” he said.
The collection site at old Food Lion parking lot across from the new Publix is open until 5:30 p.m. today. Suggested items to donate include paper goods, washcloths, feminine hygiene products, plates, cups, bowls, towels, bleach, wipes, paper towels, baby supplies, cleaning supplies, paper shop towels, baby formula, baby diapers wipes, plastic flatware, toilet paper, Band-Aids, insect repellent, disposable razors, shaving cream, hand soap, toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant bar soap, mouthwash, chap-stick, sun screen, trash bags, gallon freezer storage bags, liquid soap, mops, brooms, brushes, canned food, can openers, toys, utility knives, pry bars, nail pullers rubber gloves.